Introspective songwriting and lightly doubled vocals, brighter rock hooks following warm synths and keys through what proves a unique but effective songwriting and artistic style. Cypress Key starts off his latest EP with a song that quietly intrigues at first, then bursts in to life in a bold and beautiful way.
Alt Folk
Here Pearl’s clear influence from the likes of Kate Bush emerges, but the EP in full is impressively eclectic, and as mentioned, it holds true to a genuine sense of creativity that is from the heart and unafraid to be authentic.
Translating as Shadow Under Dominion, this four-track EP is driven by a fascination for the life of the soldier, and features programmed marching rhythms, huge vocal chants, patterns and crescendos, that blend something like tribal folk and Celtic refrains with intense drums, gritty declarations, and evocative chord patterns.
Take yourself out to a new scene, without leaving home – an atmospheric, hypnotic shoegaze instrumental with background chatter, quietly mixed alongside subtle nostalgic synths and a simple rise and fall pattern.
It’s a song about grief, in essence, and how it reshapes our relationships with those we have lost. The arrangement is as passionate as the lyrics, sometimes gentle and calming, at other times more urgent and uncertain.
These recordings feel like single takes, moments captured that can never quite be recreated with the same level of uncertainty and longing. Make It Make Sense is a particularly striking example, but the project in full consistently draws you back to this quality, and as such, it’s addictively understanding, comforting, and heart-breaking, to lose yourself here with Sam.
Brilliant writing that intrigues and follows its own expressive, long-form melodic pathways – Amy Blanding pairs a jazz-folk arrangement with enchanting storytelling and performative nuance, for the gentle, graceful, and impactful Flooding and the Foam.
Something boldly different, by design, intention, timeframe and temperament alike – an avant-garde album noting over 200 original works, and an artistic style grounded by creativity, but otherwise bravely elevated by a fearless sense of eclecticism and refusal to adhere to expectations.
A great profile of original songs, real vocals and lyrics, real stories from a life lived with passion, presence, and self-awareness. Something different but timeless, poetry and music naturally performed, and with lots of wild and wonderful moments to appreciate.
Authenticity is key, this kind of raw recording style, the live guitar sound and the natural voice – something like Eva Cassidy meets Laura Marling – it’s interesting, unpredictable, but comforting in its humility and introspection.
Real human connection in musical form – an intimate capture, acoustic and thoughtful, honest and unedited. Gibishki introduces a sublime and interesting new album, with the rising passion and distinct identity of 7 Wonders.
Introducing a creative duo whose songs are the sort to make long-time music writers instantly excited about their work again. Wisconsin alt-folk artists Leiting & Van Kammen blend organic, acoustic folk musicianship, with honest, alluring vocal charm, rising intensity, and haunting, reflective stories.